Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official agenda?

To me it's funny the party that coined the phrase 'Big Tent' also coined the term 'RINO.' I personally think 'DINO' has a nice ring to it too, especially considering I grew up on Flintsrones reruns.

Seriously, each party has their own platform and core values. I interestingly find myself at odds with my party on some issues but especially at odds with its current culture. At the same time I'm sure as much as all parties would love for its followers to be in lock-step agreement with all of their positions and culture, everyone does have their own brain and is free to hold any position they want. Then what happens? Which party do you think is more accepting of its followers not towing their party's line? What happens when a republican supports an end to the oil oligopoly? What happens when a democrat supports a traditional definition of marriage? Can a Green Party member be pro-business? Can a Libertarian support government funded higher education? Is it better for more independent minded Americans to just have no party affiliation?

Sorry, iPad must have sensed the heat from my finger and thought I pressed save. No poll and cannot edit it in after the op is posted.

Re: Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official age

Smeagol said:

What happens when a republican supports an end to the oil oligopoly?

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At best, they cannot rise any higher than representative for a district in a small (non-oil producing) state

What happens when a democrat supports a traditional definition of marriage?

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They will get no further than being elected President.

Re: Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official age

Smeagol said:

To me it's funny the party that coined the phrase 'Big Tent' also coined the term 'RINO.' I personally think 'DINO' has a nice ring to it too, especially considering I grew up on Flintsrones reruns.

Seriously, each party has their own platform and core values. I interestingly find myself at odds with my party on some issues but especially at odds with its current culture. At the same time I'm sure as much as all parties would love for its followers to be in lock-step agreement with all of their positions and culture, everyone does have their own brain and is free to hold any position they want. Then what happens? Which party do you think is more accepting of its followers not towing their party's line? What happens when a republican supports an end to the oil oligopoly? What happens when a democrat supports a traditional definition of marriage? Can a Green Party member be pro-business? Can a Libertarian support government funded higher education? Is it better for more independent minded Americans to just have no party affiliation?

Sorry, iPad must have sensed the heat from my finger and thought I pressed save. No poll and cannot edit it in after the op is posted.

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Neither of the two major parties are particularly tolerant of dissenting positions, and congressmen rating as moderates have been sharply dropping in recent years. That said, there is a fair amount of dissent on some issues. There is a good number of pro-life or pro-gun rights Democrats and a fair number of pro-choice or pro Same sex marriage Republicans among other issues. I do think the

Re: Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official age

Smeagol said:

To me it's funny the party that coined the phrase 'Big Tent' also coined the term 'RINO.' I personally think 'DINO' has a nice ring to it too, especially considering I grew up on Flintsrones reruns.

Seriously, each party has their own platform and core values. I interestingly find myself at odds with my party on some issues but especially at odds with its current culture. At the same time I'm sure as much as all parties would love for its followers to be in lock-step agreement with all of their positions and culture, everyone does have their own brain and is free to hold any position they want. Then what happens? Which party do you think is more accepting of its followers not towing their party's line? What happens when a republican supports an end to the oil oligopoly? What happens when a democrat supports a traditional definition of marriage? Can a Green Party member be pro-business? Can a Libertarian support government funded higher education? Is it better for more independent minded Americans to just have no party affiliation?

Sorry, iPad must have sensed the heat from my finger and thought I pressed save. No poll and cannot edit it in after the op is posted.

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You can still post a poll using "thread tools" although I think your time is limited.

Re: Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official age

Smeagol said:

To me it's funny the party that coined the phrase 'Big Tent' also coined the term 'RINO.' I personally think 'DINO' has a nice ring to it too, especially considering I grew up on Flintsrones reruns.

Seriously, each party has their own platform and core values. I interestingly find myself at odds with my party on some issues but especially at odds with its current culture. At the same time I'm sure as much as all parties would love for its followers to be in lock-step agreement with all of their positions and culture, everyone does have their own brain and is free to hold any position they want. Then what happens? Which party do you think is more accepting of its followers not towing their party's line? What happens when a republican supports an end to the oil oligopoly? What happens when a democrat supports a traditional definition of marriage? Can a Green Party member be pro-business? Can a Libertarian support government funded higher education? Is it better for more independent minded Americans to just have no party affiliation?

Sorry, iPad must have sensed the heat from my finger and thought I pressed save. No poll and cannot edit it in after the op is posted.

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Parties are neither tolerant or not, people within the party are. Human nature being as it is, all parties have their share of intolerant assholes. Probably best not to judge the parties on those people.

Re: Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official age

X Factor said:

You can still post a poll using "thread tools" although I think your time is limited.

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Thanks. Just added.

Re: Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official age

My experience has been the way democrats and republicans react to opposing opinion is different, on a personal level. The republicans I've interacted with don't want to hear any opposition and eventually will no longer associate with you if you disagree with with. To my experience democrats are more like open to keeping the lines of communications open but will treat you with disrespect and even verbal abuse if you hold opposing views. Of course, there are exceptions and just my own experiences.

As far are any characteristic difference between liberals and conservatives go, beyond commitment to principle conservatives generally don't embrace change as easily and often define right and wrong by whether or not something is traditional or new. Liberals tend to be more willing to embrace change. A big one I haven't been able to get my mind around is the conservative opposition to ending smokers rights to expose unwilling people to second-hand smoke. You'd think conservatives would be all about not forcing people the breathe others' toxic fumes against their will but to my surprise many have been against it. The only thing that makes sense IMHO is they do t like changing existing policy as opposed to any commitment to the principle of it. Again, there are exceptions and just my personal observations applying the conservative label to republicans and liberal to democrats.

Re: Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official age

Redress said:

Parties are neither tolerant or not, people within the party are. Human nature being as it is, all parties have their share of intolerant assholes. Probably best not to judge the parties on those people.

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This is true. I will mention some anectdotal evidence that Liberals tend to be, if not tolerant, at least not afraid to point out books and other media that you may find useful if you disagree with them. In fact it was someone who was very liberal who introduced me to Ayn Rand. "I think she was the biggest jerk ever, but you might like it" was how she described it

I had a high school teacher who was a socialist. He had a bookcase with a sign on it :"Take a Book, Read the Book, Put it Back when You're Done. If You Really Liked it , Keep it!" Anyways, that was where I discovered William F. Buckley and Irwin Schiff.

Lastly, after the OKC bombing, there was a local, liberal, talk show host who wanted to whet the audiences' curiosity over the militias and conspiracy theories. He thought it was all bunk, but he did mention a bookstore where one could buy all the literature one wanted. I remember dropping over $300 there.

Re: Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official age

Smeagol said:

The only thing that makes sense IMHO is they do t like changing existing policy as opposed to any commitment to the principle of it.

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I would suggest that if this is the only reason you can think of why conservatives would want it, then you need to try and talk with an open mind to more conservatives and try to think from their actual point of view and not from a stereotyped liberal view of their POV.

The general conservative/republican issue with these things is that they're regulations being placed upon businesses. It's not about changing current policy, it's about the government mandating what a business can/can't do in terms of a legal act by it's patrons. It's a situation where there are likely many conservatives/republicans who would LOVE a business that decided to do it themselves because they absolutely agree with the theory and feel it makes a better environment. However, when it's being forced upon businesses that creates a problem for the mindset of many republicans/conservatives.

As to the question, I think both sides can be tolerant of poisitions outside of their official agenda, but it largely depends on WHAT those positions are. Both sides have sterling examples of individuals who have essentially felt isolated from the party to the point of switching sides or going independent due to their refusal to go lock step in line with the party. Indeed, on one end you have a former Presidential nominee whose viewed as a RINO and on the other end you have a former VP nominee who flat out had to leave the party.

Re: Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official age

Let's ask Max Baucus.

Re: Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official age

I will say Libertarians (big shock) for one big reason.

We promote the idea of freedom. Real Libertarians accept the other political ideas. Matter of fact...we welcome them as fresh debate adds to a growing society.

I understand that not everyone will agree with my views. Some will see them as radical...others will dismiss them as too old for our modern world. I get that and I accept their views. It is their choice and that is what makes our country good.

We may scream to the rooftops about how ridiculous some views happen to be, but we are tolerant of people expressing their agreement towards it. Like all other groups...we are not immune from the bigotry of the political spectrum.

If we Libertarians are going to promote the ideas of liberty and freedom...we shouldn't get caught up with intolerance because it directly contradicts the message we are giving. I have to remind fellow Libertarians of this, but I believe a lot of us are more tolerant than other political parties because of our message of liberty.

Re: Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official age

Smeagol said:

My experience has been the way democrats and republicans react to opposing opinion is different, on a personal level. The republicans I've interacted with don't want to hear any opposition and eventually will no longer associate with you if you disagree with with. To my experience democrats are more like open to keeping the lines of communications open but will treat you with disrespect and even verbal abuse if you hold opposing views. Of course, there are exceptions and just my own experiences.

As far are any characteristic difference between liberals and conservatives go, beyond commitment to principle conservatives generally don't embrace change as easily and often define right and wrong by whether or not something is traditional or new. Liberals tend to be more willing to embrace change. A big one I haven't been able to get my mind around is the conservative opposition to ending smokers rights to expose unwilling people to second-hand smoke. You'd think conservatives would be all about not forcing people the breathe others' toxic fumes against their will but to my surprise many have been against it. The only thing that makes sense IMHO is they do t like changing existing policy as opposed to any commitment to the principle of it. Again, there are exceptions and just my personal observations applying the conservative label to republicans and liberal to democrats.

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I wish there were a "None" option on the poll. Anyway,

In a relative sense, I'd say Dems are more accepting of change, but... not really. It's an illusion. It's all PR. Dems are certainly better at portraying themselves as open-minded, but when you get right down to it, extreme Dems are just as stubborn as extreme Reps, only Reps are willing to stand up and say, "Yes, that's what I believe."

Re: Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official age

Smeagol said:

To me it's funny the party that coined the phrase 'Big Tent' also coined the term 'RINO.' I personally think 'DINO' has a nice ring to it too, especially considering I grew up on Flintsrones reruns.

Seriously, each party has their own platform and core values. I interestingly find myself at odds with my party on some issues but especially at odds with its current culture. At the same time I'm sure as much as all parties would love for its followers to be in lock-step agreement with all of their positions and culture, everyone does have their own brain and is free to hold any position they want. Then what happens? Which party do you think is more accepting of its followers not towing their party's line? What happens when a republican supports an end to the oil oligopoly? What happens when a democrat supports a traditional definition of marriage? Can a Green Party member be pro-business? Can a Libertarian support government funded higher education? Is it better for more independent minded Americans to just have no party affiliation?

Sorry, iPad must have sensed the heat from my finger and thought I pressed save. No poll and cannot edit it in after the op is posted.

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me and my fellow Patriots! :2usflag: :ind:





Or potheads, fat wealhty pigs, or whatever label that floats your boat. I dont really care, it's in our nature not to care.


i actually have this shirt...just thought I'd share...

Re: Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official age

Zyphlin said:

I would suggest that if this is the only reason you can think of why conservatives would want it, that you need to get a better and more honest understanding of conservatism from a conservative mindset rather than seemingly from a liberal leaning one based around stereotypes.

The general conservative/republican issue with these things is that they're regulations being placed upon businesses. It's not about changing current policy, it's about the government mandating what a business can/can't do in terms of a legal act by it's patrons. It's a situation where there are likely many conservatives/republicans who would LOVE a business that decided to do it themselves because they absolutely agree with the theory and feel it makes a better environment. However, when it's being forced upon businesses that creates a problem for the mindset of many republicans/conservatives.

As to the question, I think both sides can be tolerant of poisitions outside of their official agenda, but it largely depends on WHAT those positions are. Both sides have sterling examples of individuals who have essentially felt isolated from the party to the point of switching sides or going independent due to their refusal to go lock step in line with the party. Indeed, on one end you have a former Presidential nominee whose viewed as a RINO and on the other end you have a former VP nominee who flat out had to leave the party.

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That's a good point but it doesn't explain opposition to restrictions on public smoking in non-business settings like public parks or at a bus stop. However, what helped craft my opinion on the matter more than anything else are the arguments made by conservatives as to why they oppose restricting tobacco use when others must breathe the same air. They have generally said anyone with a problem with second-hand tobacco smoke must have a rare respiratory ailment and its unreasonable to require the general public to alter their lifestyles to accommodate such a small portion of the population who in their view would have similar issues with perfume, cologne and automobile exhaust.

I only recall one person who expressed your position as it relates to government regulation of a private business. He happens to own a small diner in the town where I live and was afraid no smoking regulations would hurt business while insisting his "non-smoking section" separated by absolutely nothing from the smoking section worked fine for years. Anyway, despite his opposition the state passed a smoking ban in restaurants and admittedly with a smile on his face, to his surprise business went up.

Re: Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official age

Which political party is the most accepting of descent?

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The Democrats. They accept those who descend to the lowest of the low. In fact, it almost seems like being a scum sucking bottom feeder is a prerequisite to obtain a Democratic party endorsement.

Re: Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official age

Of that list, Libertarians and Green have the wider distribution of political ideology under their tents. The Republocrats in general have zero tolerance for any behavior that contradicts the Party Mantra.

Re: Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official age

Lightning said:

i actually have this shirt...just thought I'd share...

View attachment 67146502

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Um, kinda failing on both counts, wouldnt you say?

Maybe wishing we could keep Republicans out of the bedroom and Democrats out of your wallet.

In any case, the actual actions of Republicans in charge has dug deeply into your wallet, spending more without taxing more doesn't mean you won't pay it, it just means you will pay it later when someone has to raise taxes to cover their spendiing and the money they borrowed.

And Democrats have been on board with DOMA and DADT and other bedroom related policies for years and only recently started to actually be more socially liberal as a party.

I think if we could find a way to marginalize party spending and allow reps to vote their conscience instead of the party line, we would see a lot more libertarian friendly legislation.

Re: Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official age

Voted Other, should have been a "none" option. No party tolerates dissent well. In fact the only time any political party tolerates dissent is when they're trying to recruit new membership.

Re: Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official age

Smeagol said:

To me it's funny the party that coined the phrase 'Big Tent' also coined the term 'RINO.' I personally think 'DINO' has a nice ring to it too, especially considering I grew up on Flintsrones reruns.

Seriously, each party has their own platform and core values. I interestingly find myself at odds with my party on some issues but especially at odds with its current culture. At the same time I'm sure as much as all parties would love for its followers to be in lock-step agreement with all of their positions and culture, everyone does have their own brain and is free to hold any position they want. Then what happens? Which party do you think is more accepting of its followers not towing their party's line? What happens when a republican supports an end to the oil oligopoly? What happens when a democrat supports a traditional definition of marriage? Can a Green Party member be pro-business? Can a Libertarian support government funded higher education? Is it better for more independent minded Americans to just have no party affiliation?

Sorry, iPad must have sensed the heat from my finger and thought I pressed save. No poll and cannot edit it in after the op is posted.

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Libertarians, since they are split into two factions - Anarchists (Capitalist variety normally) and Libertarians. Hence they have to tolerate their opinions even though it directly contradicts theirs.

Re: Which political party is most tolerant of positions outside of their official age

The funny thing is if you're not in total agreement with your party, there's a good chance you're more moderate than they'd like, at least I am. However, all of somewhat popular third party defection options (tea, libertarian and green) are all less moderate than the majors. I wonder if a more moderate third party, not less moderate is the ticket to add some competition to the DNC and GOP and shake things up.